CATCHING Synonyms: 407 Similar and Opposite Words

catching 1 of 2

adjective

ˈka-chiŋ

Definition of catching

as in infectious

capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spreading

exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others a catching smile that instantly puts patients at ease

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catching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of catch

as in grabbing

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly we tried to catch the kitten before she could sneak out the door

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as in getting

to become affected with (a disease or disorder) you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot

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as in stopping

to bring (something) to a standstill I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in securing

to put securely in place or in a desired position caught back her hair with a barrette

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as in knowing

to have a clear idea of I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy

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as in tricking

to cause to believe what is untrue a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story

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as in encountering

to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face I'll catch you at the library tomorrow

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as in noticing

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes I looked out the window just in time to catch the neighbor's dog digging up my flower bed

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as in chasing

to move fast enough to get even with despite the suspect's considerable lead, the fleet-footed police officer was able to catch him and make an arrest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

falling short

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of catching

Adjective

The Braves gained four years and millions of dollars by substituting Olson for Freeman at first base – even though one of those traded was slugging catching prospect Shea Langeliers. — Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 The designs are eye catching and beautiful, inspired by South Florida's beaches and ocean water. — Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Verb

That is why Saturday’s challenge extends beyond preventing Harris from catching a 40-yard pass over the top of the secondary. — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026 Human attention varies with fatigue and lighting, whereas automated visual inspection applies the same standard to every vehicle, every time, catching a category of defects that a routine glance may overlook. — Amir Hever, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catching

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching

Adjective

The treatment works differently from an infectious-disease vaccine.

— Sally C. Pipes, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
And because measles is so infectious, even a small slip in vaccine coverage can allow the virus to run rampant.

— Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of infectious

Verb

Michael the Lawyer and Ben the Barrel Racer go into the third crypt (Alan calls them gay Lara Crofts) and have the option of grabbing $15,000 in gold or $5,000 and a clue about the Traitors.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Smith’s own reflection points to why the day-to-day matters more than any headline-grabbing cleanse.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of grabbing

Verb

Storytelling in the modern world is now often about getting the most clicks and attention.

— Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
The lack of a real-time conversation means many patients aren’t getting the type of care recommended by medical societies that prescribe GLP-1s, including discussions about weight-loss goals, past efforts and eating disorders.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of getting

Verb

Seeing a film at the Odeon cinema followed by stopping at Luini for a panzerotto, a cousin of the calzone, was long a favorite Milanese ritual.

— Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Marshall improved to 5-0 with a 28-27 win over Marquez, stopping a two-point conversion try in the final minute.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of stopping

Verb

Kaamil Alli, spokesman for the country’s trade minister, said South African officials were holding discussions with US companies interested in securing critical mineral supplies.

— Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
These materials are everywhere, holding together packages, keeping labels on bottles, securing medical dressings, and positioning posters on many a bedroom wall.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of securing

Verb

The candles are all different lengths, gradually burning out, and there’s no way of knowing how long each one is.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
In cities like Atlanta, inking deals can rely on knowing the right people or on multigenerational relationships.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of knowing

Verb

Wardle found that a simple variation of ClickFix attack—a technique that has become remarkably effective in tricking people into infecting their devices—is all that’s required for an attacker to take control of a Muse account.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026
Exhaust fumes mimic the smells of decaying organic matter, tricking lovebugs looking for nesting grounds.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026